Choke-resistant closure

ABSTRACT

The closure can include a tamper-evident band for indicating the closure has disengaged from the fitment. The band can comprise indentations defining segments that the tamper-evident band can separate into when the closure disengages, and connecting elements that keep the intact tamper-evident band, and its separated segments, connected to the closure.

BACKGROUND

Many food and beverage containers can dispense their contents into themouth of a user. Such containers can include features that encourageusers to place a dispensing portion of the container directly into theirmouths, such as a straw or mouthpiece. But even where containers aredesigned to discourage a user from placing a part of the container intohis mouth, infants and small children can nonetheless swallow smallparts of the container, such as a container closure.

This invention relates to closures or caps that are designed to bemounted onto containers, or onto fitment portions of such containers,particularly onto containers that dispense their contents directly intothe mouth of a user. For example, single-sized pouches of liquid or foodsometimes use such closures.

It is important that closures and caps not pose a choking hazard to theuser after they are removed from their containers, especially componentsassociated with food and beverage containers. It is also important thatthe caps not pose a choking hazard to another individual, especially atoddler or infant, who encounters a discarded cap and swallows it.

Presently, some caps include openings to allow the flow of air throughthe cap when the cap is lodged in the throat of an individual. It isdesirable for a closure to have passageways that are sufficient innumber and size to facilitate the flow of sufficient air to thatindividual in distress, so that the individual continues to get enoughair until efforts to remove the cap are successful. Particularly desiredare closures with multiple ventilation passageways configured to allowairflow even when one side of the closure is completely obstructed. Andperhaps even more desired, are closures whose multiple passageways areconfigured to allow airflow even when any one side of the closure (topside, bottom side, or lateral side) is completely obstructed. Alsodesired are closures whose multiple passageways are configured to allowairflow where more than one side of the closure is partially blocked, orwhere every side of the closure is partially blocked.

It is also desired for multiple ventilation passages to be configuredwithin the cap in such a way as to allow the flow of air through atleast one of the ventilation passages in the cap, regardless of theorientation of the cap in the individual's airway. There is a need for acap having multiple ventilation passages in oriented in multipledirections, to allow air flow through the cap whether it is lodgedtopside-up, upside-down, or sideways, or lies at an angle with theindividual's airway. It is also important that the cap support beconfigured to provide continued air flow to accommodate changes in theorientation of the affected individual, such can occur in moving theaffected individual from an upright to a prone position to administeraid, or when unsuccessful attempts to dislodge the closure insteadresult in shifting the closure to a different position or orientationwithin the individual's airway.

It is desired that such ventilation passages that are designed in such away that air flow through the closure is possible even where differentportions of the closure are completely obstructed. There is a particularneed for closures whose ventilation passages are designed to allowvertical, horizontal, and indirect paths of airflow through the capregardless of its position within an individual's airway, and regardlessof the orientation of the individual.

It is also desirable for a closure to include a tamper-evident band thatcan be attached to the cap such that when the cap is removed from acontainer, the tamper-evident band changes conformation in a way thatsignals that the cap has been unsealed, but remains connected to theclosure so that that tamper-evident band does not pose a differentchoking hazard to a user.

There is a need for closures that helps individual identify food andbeverage containers that might not be safe for consumption, and tominimize the choking risk that exists for every closure (and everyclosure component) component small enough to fit in a person's mouth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A main aspect of the invention relates to a closure for engaging acontainer, the closure comprising: (a) a cap member having a top wall,and a peripheral wall depending from the top wall, the cap member forengaging the container; (b) a handling wall member disposed around theperipheral wall, the handling wall member comprising: (i) first andsecond ends, each end having an aperture bounded by a rim, a perimeterof the first end being smaller than a perimeter of the second end; and(ii) a plurality of openings, each opening providing a passagewaythrough a portion of the handling wall member; (c) a plurality of septaconnecting the handling wall member to the peripheral wall; (d) a firstvertical ventilation passage extending in a straight vertical linebetween the peripheral wall and the handling member, the first verticalventilation passage for conveying air through a top end of the closure,between the top and peripheral walls, and through a bottom end of theclosure bottom; (e) a plurality of second vertical ventilation passages,each second vertical ventilation passage extending in a straightvertical line, each second vertical ventilation passage for conveyingair through a corresponding opening, between the handling wall memberand the peripheral wall, and through the second end of the handling wallmember; and (f) a plurality of horizontal ventilation passages, eachfirst horizontal ventilation passage extending in a horizontal pathbetween a first opening and a second opening, for conveying air into theclosure via the first opening and out of the closure via the secondopening; such that when any one side of the closure is fully obstructed,air can flow through the closure through at least one of the ventilationpassages.

An additional aspect includes the closure comprising a plurality oftransverse ventilation pathways, wherein at least one transverseventilation pathway is for conveying air in an indirect path between thefirst and second openings; such that the indirect path includesconveying the air around the septum. Further aspects relate to theclosure such that the septum includes an upper surface and a lowersurface; such that the transverse ventilation pathway is for conveyingair around the upper and lower surfaces of the septum.

Another aspect of the closure includes a tamper-evident band proximateto a bottom of the peripheral wall, comprising: a) a plurality ofsegments joined together to form the band, each end of each segmentdefining an indentation on an outer surface of the tamper-evident band,each segment attached to the peripheral wall bottom by at least oneconnecting element; b) the at least one connecting element; and c) atleast one engagement element i) extending inward from an inner surfaceof the tamper-evident band and ii) adapted to engage a receptive portionof the container, thereby to cause the tamper-evident band to i) tearalong the indentation and ii) separate the segments, for indicating thatthe container has been disengaged from the closure.

Additional aspects of the closure include each segment attached to theperipheral wall bottom by at least one of the following: the at leastone connecting element and the septum.

Other aspects of the closure include the connecting elements connectingan inner surface of the tamper-evident band to an outer surface of theperipheral wall.

Still other aspects of the closure include each indentation located onthe outer surface of the band, and each indentation extending between anupper and lower edge of the band.

Yet other aspects of the closure include the tamper-evident banddefining a continuous surface surrounding the bottom end of theperipheral wall.

Another main aspect of the invention relates to a closure adapted to beengaged to a fitment, the closure having a top side, a bottom side, anda lateral side between the top and bottom sides, the closure comprising:(a) a cap member having a top wall, and a peripheral wall depending fromthe top wall, the cap member for engaging the fitment; (b) a handlingmember having: i) a handling wall surrounding the peripheral wall; ii) atop end having an upper handling member rim surrounding a firstaperture, and a bottom end having a lower handling member rimsurrounding a second aperture, a circumference of the upper handlingmember rim being smaller than a circumference of the lower handlingmember rim; and iii) an opening being located in the handling wall, eachopening extending between the interior and exterior surfaces of thehandling wall, each opening bounded by the handling wall, each openingbeing located between the top and bottom ends of the handling member,and each opening defining a passageway for conveying air between theinner and outer surfaces of the handling wall; wherein the peripheralwall and the handling wall provide define first and second lateralboundaries of a cavity within the closure, an upper end of the cavitydefined by the upper handling member rim, and a lower end of the cavitydefined by the lower handling member rim; (c) a septum connecting thehandling wall and the peripheral wall to each other; (d) a firstventilation passage extending in a direct line between the peripheralwall and the handling member, the first ventilation passage forconveying air through the closure top side, the cavity, and the closurebottom side; (e) a second ventilation passage extending in a direct linethrough the opening, the at least second ventilation passage forconveying air through the handling wall, the cavity, and the closurebottom side, the first and second ventilation passages extendingparallel to each other; and (f) a third ventilation passage extending inan indirect path between a first opening and a second opening, forconveying air in the first opening into the cavity, around a septum, tothe second opening, the third ventilation passage extending in adirection transverse to first and second ventilation passages; such thatwhen any closure side is fully obstructed, air can flow through theclosure through at least one of the first, second, and third ventilationpassages.

Another aspect of the closure includes the first ventilation passage forconveying air through the upper handling member rim, the cavity, and thelower handling member rim.

An additional aspect of the closure includes the second ventilationpassage for conveying air through the opening in the handling wall, thecavity, and the lower handling member rim.

Other aspects of the closure include the septum comprising an uppersurface and a lower surface; such that the third ventilation passage isfor conveying air around the upper and lower surfaces of the septum.

An additional aspect of the closure includes a fourth ventilationpassage extending in a direct line between a pair of the openings.

Other aspects of the closure include the septum dividing the firstventilation passage into a plurality of first ventilation passages.

Still other aspects of the closure include a tamper-evident bandproximate to the bottom end of the peripheral wall, comprising: i) aplurality of segments joined together to form a ring, the band having anouter surface and an inner surface; ii) at least one indentations, eachindentation defining an end of the segment; iii) a plurality ofconnecting elements; each segment attached to at least one of thefollowing: the connecting element and the septum; and iv) at least oneengagement element extending toward the peripheral wall and adapted toengage a receptive portion of the fitment, thereby to cause breakage ofthe tamper-evident band along the at least one indentation, forindicating that the fitment has been disengaged from the fitment.

Further aspects of the closure include the connecting elementsconnecting an inner surface of the tamper-evident band to an outersurface of the peripheral wall. Other further aspects of the closureinclude each indentation located on the outer surface of the band, andeach indentation extending between an upper and lower edge of the band.Yet other further aspects of the closure include the tamper-evident banddefining a continuous surface surrounding the bottom end of theperipheral wall.

Another main aspect of the invention relates to a closure for engaging afitment, the closure comprising: (a) a cap member having a top wall, anda peripheral wall depending from the top wall; (b) a handling wallmember encircling the peripheral wall, the handling wall membercomprising: first and second ends, a perimeter of the first end beingsmaller than a perimeter of the second end; and a plurality of openings,each opening located within the handling wall member and between thefirst and second ends; (c) a plurality of septa connecting the handlingwall member to the peripheral wall, each septa having an upper surfaceand a lower surface; (d) at least one first ventilation passageextending between the peripheral wall and the handling member, the firstventilation passage for conveying air through an upper portion of theclosure, between the top and peripheral walls, and through a lowerportion of the closure; (e) a plurality of second ventilation passages,the second ventilation passage for conveying air through a correspondingopening, between the handling wall member and the peripheral wall, andthrough the second end of the handling wall member; (f) a plurality oftransverse ventilation pathways, each transverse ventilation pathway forconveying air in an indirect path between a first pair of openings, thepathway for conveying air around the upper and lower surfaces of thesepta; and (g) a tamper-evident band proximate to the bottom of theperipheral wall, comprising: i) a plurality of segments, each segmentdefined by an indentation on an outer surface of the tamper-evidentband, each segment attached to the peripheral wall bottom by at leastone connecting element; ii) plurality of connecting elements; and iii)at least one engagement element adapted to engage the fitment, therebyto cause the indentations to tear and the tamper-evident band toseparate into segments, for indicating that the closure has beendisengaged from the fitment; such that when any one outer surface of theclosure is fully obstructed, air can flow through the closure through atleast one of the ventilation passages.

Other aspects of the closure include a plurality of third ventilationpassages, each third ventilation passage extending between a second pairof openings, for conveying air between the second pair of openings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D shows views of an embodiment of a choke-resistant closuremounted onto a coupling member of a fitting element (or fitment) thatconnects the closure to the container, FIG. 1A shows a bottomperspective view of the secured closure and fitment, FIG. 1B shows aclose-up perspective view of the closure attached to the fitment, FIG.1C shows a cross-sectional view of the closure secured to the fitment,and FIG. 1D shows a bottom perspective view of the closure secured tothe fitment;

FIGS. 2A-2F shows an embodiment of a choke-resistant closure, FIG. 2Ashows a top perspective view of the closure, FIG. 2B shows a sideperspective view of the closure, FIG. 2C shows a top view of the closureand illustrates vertical ventilation passages located between a capmember and a handling member of the closure, FIG. 2D shows a bottom viewof the closure and illustrates the vertical ventilation passages locatedbetween the cap member and the handling member of the closure, FIG. 2Eshows a top perspective view of the closure illustrating the verticalairflow located between upper and lower rims of the handling member thatis afforded by openings in the handling member, and FIG. 2F shows abottom perspective view of the closure, showing the connection betweenthe cap member and a tamper-evident band.

FIGS. 3A-3D shows an embodiment of a choke-resistant closure having anintact tamper-resistant band, FIG. 3A shows a top perspective view of achoke-resistant closure, FIG. 3B shows a bottom perspective view of theclosure, FIG. 3C shows a top view of the closure, and FIG. 3D shows abottom view of the closure;

FIGS. 4A-4C shows an embodiment of a choke-resistant closure having anintact tamper-resistant band after the closure has been unsealed from afitment or container and after the tamper-resistant band has beenseparated into segments attached to a cap member or to a partitionconnecting the cap member to a handling member, FIG. 4A shows a bottomperspective view of a choke-resistant closure, FIG. 4B shows a top viewof the closure, FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of the closure;

FIGS. 5A-5B shows views of an embodiment of a choke-resistant closuremounted onto a coupling member of a fitment that connects the closure tothe container, FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the closuresecured to a fitment, and FIG. 5B shows a bottom perspective view of theclosure secured to the fitment;

FIGS. 6A-6C show structures that facilitate air flow through anexemplary closure and indicate primary vertical ventilation passages,secondary ventilation passages, and horizontal ventilation passages thatfacilitate air flow through the interior of the closure; FIG. 6A shows across-sectional view of a closure, FIG. 6B shows a perspective side viewof a closure, and FIG. 6C shows a top view of a closure;

FIGS. 7A-7C show perspective views (FIGS. 7A, 7C) and a top view ofhorizontal ventilation passages that allow air to pass through aninterior cavity within a closure by allowing air to pass through a firstaperture or opening in the side surface of the closure, into a cavityinside the closure, and out of the cavity via a second aperture oropening in the side surface of the closure;

FIGS. 8A-8D show perspective views of primary vertical ventilationpassages that allow air to pass through an interior cavity within aclosure by allowing air to pass through a first aperture or opening inthe side surface of the closure, into a cavity inside the closure, andout of the cavity via a second aperture or opening in the side surfaceof the closure; and

FIGS. 9A-9C show perspective views of a closure (FIGS. 9A-9B) and across-sectional view of a closure engaging a fitment (FIG. 9C),illustrating transverse ventilation pathways available for allowingairflow between 1) an opening in a side surface of the closure and anopening in a top surface of the closure defined by an upper handlingmember rim and between 2) an opening in a side surface of the closureand an opening in a bottom surface of the closure defined by a lowerhandling member rim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention can be used for any type ofcontainer or for any type of fitment that facilitates an indirectconnection of a closure to a container.

FIGS. 1A-1D generally show an embodiment of a choke-resistant closure orcap that is mounted onto or secured upon a fitment. In a centralportion, the closure can include a cap member for communicating with thefitment. The cap member can cover or seal the fitment to prevent tofitment from dispensing liquids or particles. The cap member can besurrounded or encircled by a handling member, a wall-like structure bywhich a user can touch and manipulate the closure. The cap member andhandling member can be connected by one or more partitions or septa.Each septum can position the handling member so that the cap member andhandling member do not touch each other.

The closure can include a tamper-evident band located around an end ofthe cap member.

Exemplary of fitments which are contemplated, and so illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1D, are for connecting to a wide variety of containersincluding water bottles, juice bottles, juice boxes, food pouches,plastic and metal cans, bags, squeezable tubes, and the like.

An exemplary fitment can have an outer surface facing the ambientenvironment, and an inner surface facing an internal space or cavity orduct which is used to transfer a flowable material, such as a fluid or aparticle, into or out of a connected container. The fitment can have aportion for connecting to the container and a portion for connectingwith the closure. The closure-connecting portion can include a mouth oropening for dispensing the flowable material. The container-connectingportion can be part of a container, or can be a separate element whichis separately connected to or mounted onto the container.

Embodiments of the Closure

As particularly shown in FIGS. 1-9, the closure can be adapted toseveral embodiments. The closure can include: a cap member for engaginga container; a handling member to enable a user to handle and manipulatethe closure; one or more septa to connect the cap and handling membersand to define a cavity between them; and/or a tamper-evident band tosignal to a user that the closure has been opened or unsealed.

As shown in FIG. 2A-2D, the cap member can include a top wall, which canhave a generally flat, planar surface and a peripheral wall dependingfrom the top wall. One end of a peripheral wall can join the peripheryof the top wall, while the opposite end of the peripheral wall candefine a mouth or aperture. The opposite end of the peripheral wall caninclude a cap rim, the cap rim defining the outer edge or boundary ofthe aperture. The cap rim can define a continuous rim. The cap rim canoccupy a plane that is parallel to the top wall. The peripheral wall canhave an interior surface that faces an internal portion of the closureand an exterior surface for facing the external environment surroundingthe closure (and facing the handling member).

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D, the cap member can have a circular shape orprofile, though the cap member can adopt the shape or profile of anyregular polygon, such as a square, rectangle, or hexagon, or anirregular polygon. A cap member can adopt an oval or elliptical shape orprofile. The peripheral wall can depend outward from the top wall, andbe positioned to be generally perpendicular the top wall. It ispreferred that the top wall and the peripheral wall have a diameter orperimeter of the same or similar length.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the cap member can include an inner wall forengaging the fitment or container, although other embodiments can engagethe fitment via structures on the outer wall of the cap member). Such anengagement wall can include a wall depending from the inner surface ofthe top wall. Whereas a peripheral wall can depend from a peripheral orouter portion of the top wall, an engagement wall can depend from acentral portion of the top wall. In embodiments like those shown in FIG.1C, the engagement wall can be oriented to run parallel to alongitudinal axis of the cap member or the closure, and can be orientedto run parallel to the peripheral wall. The engagement wall is forengaging the dispensing portion of a fitment or container, for providinga cover or seal to the associated fitment or container. Other types ofengagement elements could include a thread, a bead, or any otherstructure commonly used to mount closures to fitments and containers.Such engagement elements are not limited to the top wall, but can befound on the peripheral wall or other structures of the cap member. Itis preferred that the closure be adapted to be engaged to a receptiveportion of the fitment or container to provide a seal that is air-tightor water-tight.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2F, the cap member can also include, preferablyon its inner face, one or more stopping elements, the stopping elementsfor engaging corresponding structures on a fitment or container when theclosure (and the cap member) is placed to engage the fitment orcontainer. Such stopping elements can communicate with the fitment orclosure to effect the communication of the closure to the container orfitment. Such stopping elements can be used to provide a sealingengagement between the closure and the container or fitment, or a loosecommunication. Each stopping element can include a protrusion extendingoutward from a face of the tamper-evident band, preferably towardanother structure. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2F, a stopping element candefine a shelf extending inward from the peripheral wall. As shown here,the stopping element can adopt a triangular shape or bullet shape.

In some other embodiments, a stopping element can define a protrudingstructure extending from the outer surface of the cap member, extendingtoward the container or fitment. The stopping element can define astructure that communicates with the container or fitment. Stoppingelements can take a variety of shapes and sizes, for example, a bead, ahook, a shelf, and the like. Where there are multiple stopping elements,it is preferred that they have the same size and shape, are located on acommon plane that is preferably perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe cap member, are oriented in the same direction, and/or are regularlyor equally spaced apart from each other.

The closure can include a handling member situated to surround the capmember. The handling member can include a generally flat, continuoushandling wall surrounding an open space or cavity, the cavity in turnsurrounding the cap member. The handling wall can have a top end andbottom end, and an interior surface that faces toward the cap member andan exterior surface that faces away from the cap member. The handlingwall can have a diameter or perimeter that is greater than the diameteror perimeter of the peripheral wall of the cap member. When viewed fromabove or below, the handling member can define a ring or band outsidethe cap member, where the handling and cap members do not directlycontact each other.

Opposite ends of the handling wall can define upper and lower handlingmember rims. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, an upper end of thehandling wall can define a continuous upper handling member rim at theupper end, the upper handling member rim defining an upper mouth oraperture of the cavity enclosed by the handling wall. A lower end of thehandling wall can define a continuous lower handling member rim at theopposite lower end, the lower handling member rim defining a lower mouthor aperture of the cavity enclosed by the handling wall. In otherembodiments, either or both rims can define irregular surfaces.

The cavity can occupy a space whose volume can bounded on a first or topend by the upper handling member rim, and can be defined on a second orbottom end by the lower handling member rim. An outer boundary of thecavity can be defined by the handling wall, particularly the innersurface of the handling wall, and an inner boundary of the cavity can beprovided by the peripheral wall, particularly the outer surface of theperipheral wall.

One or more septum/septa extending between the handling wall and theperipheral wall can provide define first and second lateral boundariesof a smaller sub-cavity within the cavity within the closure.

It is preferred that the height of the handling wall be a height that isgreater than the height of the cap member. As shown in FIG. 1C, the caprim and lower handling member rim can occupy the same plane or planesthat are parallel to each other. It is preferred that, when viewed fromthe side, the upper handling member rim extend to a height above theheight of the top wall of the cap member.

The cap and handling members can be connected to each other by one ormore septa. Each septum can define a generally flat, wall-like surfacethat spans between the cap and handling members. Each pair ofneighboring septa can divide a portion of the cavity between thehandling wall and the peripheral wall of the cap member from a primaryvertical ventilation passage, into smaller or narrower sub-passages. Theprimary vertical ventilation passage can define a straight or directpathway for conveying air flow from the top end of the closure to thebottom end of the closure, when viewed from above or below as shown inFIGS. 2C-2D, and vice-versa. The primary vertical ventilation passagecan pass between i) the peripheral wall of the cap member and ii) theinner surface of the handling member. As shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, wherethere are four septa, they can divide the primary vertical ventilationpassage into four primary vertical ventilation sub-passages. Eachprimary vertical ventilation sub-passage can be bounded on a first endby the upper handling member rim, and bounded on a second end by thelower handling member rim. Each primary vertical ventilation passage canextend in a straight or direct line through the interior (e.g., thecavity) of the closure, with lateral sides defined by the septa.

It is preferred that the septa be arranged on radial paths, the linesdefined by the septa meeting at a common point if the lines extendedinward. It is also preferred that the septa be spaced apart at regulardistances, for example, arranged to be equidistant from each other.Where the septa have a radial arrangement, it is preferred that theirconnection sites to the cap member be equidistant from each other. Wherethe septa have a radial arrangement, it is preferred that theirconnection sites to the handling member be equidistant from each other.

In some embodiments, the septa can be arranged in a transverse,non-radial orientation between the peripheral wall and the handlingwall.

As shown in FIG. 1C, each septa can comprise an inner segment and anouter segment. Each segment can generally include a flat, planar,wall-like surface. An interior end of the inner segment can join theouter surface of the peripheral wall, preferably along a plane that isparallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap member. The end opposite theinterior end of the inner segment, the exterior end of the innersegment, can join or connect to an interior end of the outer segment.

The outer segment can have an interior end that joins or connects to theinner segment and an opposite end, the exterior end, that joins orconnects to the inner surface of the handling wall. Each segment canhave a top end (the end nearest the upper handling member rim) and abottom end (the end nearest the lower handling member rim or the caprim). The top end of the inner segment can be located at the sameelevation or height as the top wall, or proximate to the top wall. Thebottom end of the inner segment can be located at the same elevation asthe cap rim or proximate to the cap rim. The top end of the outersegment can join the upper handling member rim (and can have the sameelevation or height as the upper handling member rim. The bottom end ofthe outer segment can be located at the same elevation or height as thecap rim. The outer segment can include a wall-like surface that extendsbetween the inner segment and the inner surface of the handling wall inone plane, and extends between the cap rim to the lower handling memberrim.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 3B, the inner segment can adopt a rectangularprofile, while the outer segment can adopt a triangular shape. Together,each paired of joined or connected inner and outer segments can define aseptum, which can act as a wall or partition that divides the spacebetween the peripheral wall and the handling wall intovertically-oriented ventilation pathways that run parallel between thetop and bottom ends of the closure. It is to be noted that the inner andouter segments can adopt a variety of polygonal and non-polygonal shapesand profiles; also, they can connect directly to each other orindirectly to each other with other structures or spaces between them.

While the septa can generally divide the cavity into a group of smallercavities (preferably of similar sizes, shapes, and volumes), it ispreferred that the septa not extend all the way up to the level of theupper handling member rim and that it not extend all the way down to thelevel of the lower handling member rim. It is preferred that there is anabsence of obstructions in an uppermost portion of the cavity and/or alowermost portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, a tamper-evidentband can occupy the lowermost portion of the cavity, but its presencepreferably does not impede or block airflow in the lowermost portion ofthe cavity. It is preferred that air be able to flow freely through theuppermost and lowermost portions of the cavity, that these areas definespaces through which air can flow in a direct path or line.

The septa can be similarly-sized and similarly-shaped, and where thereare, for example, four septa as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the septa candivide the cavity into four primary vertical ventilation sub-passages.

The handling wall can define a structure that is generally ring-like orannular, particularly when viewed from above or below. The diameter (orperimeter) of the upper handling member rim can have a length greaterthan that of the lower handling member rim (or vice-versa). Thus, theclosure can be provided with a shape like the frustum of a cone orpyramid, like a cone or pyramid whose tip has been cut off parallel toits base. The closure can be provided with a shape like a hemispherewhose tip end has been cut off parallel to its base. The handling wallcan flare outward from the upper handling member rim and downward towardthe lower handling member rim. When viewed in profile, the handling wallcan define an outward-reaching slope or an outward-reaching curve.

The handling wall can have one or more openings that extend through thehandling wall, each opening set within a portion of the handling wall,and each opening bounded on all sides by the handling wall. Theseopenings can provide pathways for the passage of air through thehandling wall, from the environment outside of the closure into thecavity or interior portion of the closure. It is preferred that theopenings be spaced apart at regular intervals, and it is preferred thatthe openings be of the same size and shape. In particularly preferredembodiments, the handling wall contains a plurality of openings in eachportion of the handling wall between a pair of neighboring septa.

The openings can have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the cap member, handling member, and/or closure. Itis preferred that the vertical length (or length along the longitudinalaxis) of each opening be greater than one half of the distance betweenthe upper and lower handling member rims.

Where the handling wall curves downward and outward from the upperhandling member rim toward the lower handling member rim, each openingcan define a secondary vertical ventilation passage, where eachsecondary vertical ventilation passage defines an unobstructed pathwayfor air flow from the outer surface of the handling member, through thehandling member, and into the cavity between the cap and handlingmembers, when viewed from above or below as shown in FIGS. 2C-2D. Eachsecondary vertical ventilation passage can be bounded on a first end byan opening in the handling wall of the handling member, and bounded on asecond end by the lower handling member rim. Each secondary verticalventilation passage can extend in a straight or direct line through theinterior portion (e.g., the cavity) of the closure.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the outer surface of the handling wall caninclude a depression or groove running from the upper handling memberrim to the lower handling member rim, each groove preferably runningparallel to a longitudinal axis of the handling member or the closure.Preferably spaced apart at regular or equal intervals, the negativespace provided by these grooves provides an embodiment of a closurerequiring less materials to make, compared to an otherwise identicalversion of the closure lacking those grooves.

It is also believed that these grooves can also allow the closure toflex when pressure is applied to the closure. Thus, the closure canresist crushing pressures. By maintaining its structure and shape, some(or preferably all) of the various ventilation passages can remainintact while the closure is retrieved from the airway of an individual.It also believed that the longitudinal orientation of the grooves,especially when placed between neighboring openings, can encourage theclosure to flex in such a way as to keep the various verticalventilation passages unobstructed and conducive to allowing the movementof air.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3-4, the closure can comprise a tamper-evidentband. The tamper-evident band can define a band or a ringlike structurethat surrounds or encircles the cap rim, having an inner face and anouter face. The outer perimeter of the tamper-evident band can beradially disposed between an outer perimeter of the peripheral wall andan inner perimeter of the handling member. The outer face can define acontinuous surface without gaps or holes.

The tamper-evident band can be disposed between the peripheral wall andthe lower handling member rim, with an upper portion of thetamper-evident band paralleling the lower handling member rim and aportion of the peripheral wall closest to the lower handling member rim.The lower portion of the tamper-evident band can extend downward andoutward (away from the top wall) past the cap rim and past the lowerhandling member rim.

Similar to the handling wall, the tamper-evident band can directly orindirectly connect to the cap member via one or more connectingstructures. The connectors can join the inner face of the tamper-evidentband to the outer surface of the peripheral wall. As shown in FIG. 1C,the connectors can join the inner face of the tamper-evident band to caprim of the peripheral wall, while the outer face opposes or faces thehandling wall. These connecting elements can include a plurality ofaxially-extending, spaced-apart, finger-shaped connectors meant toretain their attachment to the cap member when the closure isdisconnected from the fitment or container.

As shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, 3C-3D, and 4A-4C, each connecting element canprovide a generally planar, finger-like structure having a width that isthinner than that of a septum or the tamper-evident band (e.g., whenviewed from above or below). Multiple connecting elements can beclustered together, preferably on portions of the tamper-evident ringthat are removed from the septa. It is preferred that the connectingelements be oriented in a radial fashion, as they extend between theperipheral wall and the handling wall.

The tamper-evident band can be joined or connected to one or some or allof the septa. It is preferred that the septa contact an upper surface ofthe tamper-evident band (the surface closest to the upper handlingmember rim), rather than a lower surface of the tamper-evident band (thesurface furthest from the upper handling member rim). As shown in FIGS.1B-1C and 2B, a lower surface or bottom edge of a septum and the topedge of the tamper-evident band can overlap each other. This canreinforce the stability of the septa and the tamper-evident band.

When viewed from above or below, a central portion of the closure can beoccupied by the cap member, which is surrounded or encircled by thetamper-evident band, which is in turn surrounded or encircled by thehandling wall. These elements can define concentric rings or shapesaround each other, preferably not touching each other directly.

Each tamper-evident ring can include one or more indentations thatextend from the inner or outer surface of the tamper-evident ring almostto the inner surface of the tamper-evident ring. It is preferred thatthese indentations traverse more than half of the thickness of thetamper-evident ting. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, these indentations can belocated on the outer surface of the tamper-evident ring, and extend fromthe upper surface to the lower surface of the tamper-evident ring. Theindentations can have a U-shaped or V-shaped profile, creating locationson the tamper-evident ring that will tear when sufficient pressure isapplied to the tamper-evident ring. When the tamper-evident ring issubjected to these forces, such as a rotational movement applied tounscrew a cap from a container, the tamper-evident band can tear orbreak at these thinner sites in the tamper-evident band (compared to thethickness of a portion of the tamper-evident band not containing anindentation), thus separating the tamper-evident band into multipleindividual band segments, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

When taken together in an intact tamper-evident band, the band segmentscan encompass the full circumference or perimeter of the tamper-evidentband. That is, the band segments can join together to make up thetamper-evident band. As desired, the tamper-evident band can have as fewas a single band segment, or as many band segments as desired, forexample 2 band segments, 3 band segments, 4 band segments, 5 bandsegments, 6 band segments, or more. Each band segment has a length, andis associated on a first, inner surface connected to the peripheralwall, and is associated on a second, opposite, outer surface facing theinterior surface of the handling wall.

For each portion of the tamper-evident band located between twoneighboring septa, that portion can contain at least one indentationlocated between a septa and a connecting element. It is preferred thatportion include at least one indentation between every neighboring septaand connecting element.

The tamper-evident band can also include, preferably on its inner face,one or more engagement elements, the engagement elements for engagingcorresponding structures on a fitment or container when the closure (andthe tamper-evident band) is rotated around the fitment or container tounseal the closure from the fitment or container. Each engagementelement can include a protrusion extending outward from a face of thetamper-evident band, preferably toward another structure. As shown inFIGS. 2B-2D, an engagement element can define a curving extension joinedto the inner face of the tamper-evident band, extending toward theperipheral wall, but not contacting the peripheral wall. In some otherembodiments, an engagement element can define a protruding or projectingstructure extending from the outer surface of the tamper-evident band,extending toward the handling wall. The engagement element can define astructure that communicates with the upper or lower edges of thetaper-evident band, or defines a structure extending from the upper edgeto the lower edge. Engagement elements can take a variety of shapes andsizes, for example, a bead, a hook, a curving finger, a shelf, and thelike.

The tamper-evident band can include at least one engagement element thatresults in the breakage of the band into band segments, when the closureis disconnected from such receptive portion of such fitment or suchcontainer, thus to indicate that the fitment or the container has beenunsealed, opened, or breached.

For example, the closure can be disconnected from the fitment byrotating or unscrewing the closure. As the closure is moved in thismanner, the engagement elements on the tamper-evident band can engagecorresponding receiving elements on the coupling or receptive portion ofthe fitment such that the tamper-evident band is prevented from rotatingwith the closure beyond the point where the engagement elements engagewith the receiving members. The resistance between the engagementelements and the receiving elements on the coupling is stronger than theindentations that score the surface of the tamper-evident band.Accordingly, as the closure is rotated, one or more of the indentationstears or breaks, and the tamper-evident band can separate into severalband segments. These band segments can remain attached to the peripheralwall via the connection provided by the connecting elements and/or thesepta.

The disruption of the physical integrity of the tamper-evident band andthe appearance of the band segments can provide a clear visual indicatorthat the tamper-evident band has been broken, that the seal orconnection between closure and fitment has been breached, and that theintegrity of the corresponding container contents has been compromised.FIGS. 4A-4C show that a tamper-evident band that has been broken intoband segments can remain associated with the cap member by theconnections between the band segments and the cap members.

Where there is a plurality of engagement elements, it is preferred thatthey are located on the tamper-evident band so as not to interfere withthe tearing of the tamper-evident band into band segments. That is, itis preferred that the engagement elements be located so as not tointerfere with the tearing of the indentations on the tamper-evidentband, when the opening or unsealing of the closure engages thetamper-evident band feature. It is preferred that each septa have anengagement element located proximate to it.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, after the tamper-evident band has beenseparated into one or more band segments, the separated band segmentscan remain connected to the closure via the septa, the connectingelements, or both structures. Thus, after the tamper-evident band hasbeen deployed, it can remain connected to the closure. This way, thetamper-evident band can be prevented from falling into the container towhich it is attached, or from detaching from the closure to provide itsown choking hazard to an individual.

Features of Embodiments of the Closure

Closures are routinely used as devices for closing or sealing a fitmentor container; the risk that they pose as a choking hazard is well-known.As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the closures described herein are designed toprovide a multiplicity of ventilation passages in straight or directvertical (or longitudinal), straight or direct horizontal (or lateral),and non-linear pathways. The number, placement, and design of theseventilation passages provide multiple, redundant vertical and horizontalpassages for the flow of air when the closure is lodged in anindividual's airway, in the hopes that at least one of these pathwayswill be main unobstructed and support the continued flow of air to theindividual, thus reducing the risk of choking in an individual who hasswallowed the closure.

Closure Structures Supporting Direct Vertical Airflow Through the Device

If the closure is lodged right-side-up or upside-down, it is expectedthat the individual's airway can block some or all of the openings inthe handling wall of the handling member. Thus, the side or lateralsurfaces of the closure can contact (and be obstructed by) anindividual's airway. In such situations, where the top and bottom of theclosure are unobstructed (or a portion of those surfaces areunobstructed), air can flow through at least one of a primary or firstvertical ventilation passage (between the cap member and the handlingmember); if a portion of the handling wall is unobstructed, one or moresecondary vertical ventilation passages (through unobstructed openingsin the handling wall and through the lower handling member rim) canprovide air flow through the closure in a vertical direction. In theseconfigurations, vertical ventilation passages can support airflow to theindividual through the interior of the closure, even in some cases wherethe top and/or bottom of the closure is also partially unobstructed.

As shown for example in FIGS. 8A-8D, when the closure is oriented in anupright position, the primary vertical ventilation passage (or a portionof it), can provide a passageway for conveying air through the interiorportion of the closure; air can enter the top of the closure through theupper handling member rim, travel through the interior space or cavitywithin the closure, and exit the bottom of the closure through the lowerhandling member rim. The air can flow in a linear, straight, directvertical path from the top to the bottom of the closure. Similarly, whenthe closure is oriented in an upside-down position, the primary verticalventilation passage (or a portion of it), can similarly provide apassageway for accommodating air flow through the interior portion ofthe closure; air can enter the bottom of the closure through the lowerhandling member rim, travel through the interior space or cavity withinthe closure, and exit the top of the closure through the upper handlingmember rim. Here, too, the air can flow in a linear, straight, verticalpath from the bottom to the top of the closure.

At least one secondary vertically-oriented ventilation passage can beprovided if the bottom of the closure is unobstructed and at least oneopening is unobstructed. Here, air can flow in a linear, straight,vertical path through the closure, but instead of entering and exitingthrough the top and bottom ends of the closure, the air can flow in alinear, straight, vertical path through structures in the lateral orside portions of the closure. That is, the openings in the handling wallcan define pathways for air to enter through at least one unobstructedopening, travel through the interior space or cavity within the closure,and exit the bottom of the closure through the lower handling member rim(if the bottom surface of the device is at least partiallyunobstructed).

Where the lower handling member rim has a larger diameter orcircumference than the upper handling member rim, and the top surface ofthe device is at least partially unobstructed, the exact opposite doesnot hold true; that is the geometry of such embodiments of the closuredo not support vertical airflow into an opening, into the cavity, andout through the upper handling member rim. Instead, the closure cansupport a non-linear pathway that allows air to exit through the upperhandling member rim. For example, in the situation where the bottomsurface of the device is blocked or obstructed, air can flow into anunobstructed opening in the handling wall in a lateral or horizontal ortransverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the closure,travel through the cavity, and exit through the upper handling memberrim; however, this route or conduit will not be a linear and verticalpath, but a circuitous pathway that curves or angles or changesdirection.

In some embodiments, a vertically-oriented ventilation passage candefine a ventilation passageway that is not strictly straight or linear,where the airflow is generally vertical in the sense that a passagewayfor airflow is provided through a vertical axis of the closure. Forexample, a primary vertical ventilation passage can provide air flowinto the top end of the closure, through an interior portion of theclosure, and out the bottom end of the closure, following a continuousor unbroken, but not necessarily straight or direct, path through theclosure. The primary and secondary vertical ventilation passages cansupport air flow in a vertical direction, but following an indirectpathway through the closure.

Closure Structures Supporting-Direct Horizontal or Lateral AirflowThrough the Device.

Where at least one of the openings in the handling wall are partially orfully clear, horizontal or lateral air flow can be made available by airpassing in through a first unobstructed opening in the handling wall ofthe handling member, through the cavity between the handling wall andthe peripheral wall, and out through a second unobstructed opening inthe handling wall of the handling member, (e.g., in a direct or straightpath between two or more openings located between the same neighboringsepta). Such horizontal ventilation passages can provide another directroute of air flow into and through the closure, such as shown in FIGS.7A-7D.

Neighboring septa can divide the handling wall into handling wallportions. Where openings are located in the same handling wall portion,a primary horizontal ventilation passage can extend in a straight ordirect line through the interior (e.g., the cavity) of the closure, airflowing into the closure through a first opening and exiting the closurevia a second opening. Whereas the primary vertical ventilation passagescan define pathways generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the capmember, handling member, and/or closure, the primary horizontalventilation passages can define pathways generally perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the cap member.

In some embodiments, the horizontally-oriented ventilation passages candefine a ventilation passageway that is not strictly straight or linear,where the airflow is generally horizontal in the sense that a passagewayfor airflow is provided through a horizontal axis of the closure. Forexample, a primary horizontal ventilation passage can provide air flowinto a first opening in the handling member wall, through an interiorportion of the closure, and out through a second opening in the handlingmember wall, following a contiguous or uninterrupted, but notnecessarily straight or direct, path through the closure. The horizontalventilation passages can support air flow in a horizontal direction, butfollowing an indirect pathway through the closure.

Closure Structures Supporting Non-Linear Airflow Through the Device.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the topography of the internal structures ofthe closure can provide transverse ventilation pathways-non-linearpathways for air flow that take advantage of the intersections of theprimary and secondary vertical ventilation passages and the horizontalventilation passages within the cavity or central interior portion 106,to allow air to travel a ventilation route that includes both horizontaland vertical components. For example, air can flow into the cavity via afirst end of a primary ventilation passage (e.g., through one of thehandling member rims), and where the opposite second end of the primaryventilation passage is obstructed, air can subsequently exit the cavityvia an unobstructed opening in the handling wall; and vice-versa. Asanother example, if the bottom side of the closure is obstructed, aircould enter the cavity via the top of the primary vertical ventilationpassage through the upper handling member rim, and then exit the cavityvia: i) a neighboring or nearby unobstructed opening in the handlingwall, ii) traversing over the upper surfaces of the top wall and/or thesepta to exit via an opening removed from the air's entry site into theclosure (e.g., if a portion of the top and side surfaces of the closurewere simultaneously obstructed), or iii) traversing along the outersurface of the peripheral wall and under the lower surfaces of a septumto exit via an the lower handling member rim or an opening removed fromthe air's entry site into the closure; and vice-versa. The multipleentry/exits points into/out of the cavity of the closure enable air flowin a straight line (e.g., through the primary and secondary ventilationpassages), or to follow one or more of several winding or angledpathways through the interior of the closure, by transferring betweenconnecting portions of the vertical and horizontal ventilation passages.

As the air travels through the cavity, it can take an indirect ornon-linear path by traversing a pathway over a septum that separates thecap and handling members, and/or by traversing a pathway under a septumthat separates the cap and handling members. In some embodiments, aircan travel through an opening or aperture penetrating a portion of theseptum; providing additional avenues for direct and indirect horizontalventilation through the closure.

As another example, if the top side of the closure were obstructed, aircould enter the cavity via the bottom of the primary verticalventilation passage through the lower handling member rim, and then exitthe cavity via: i) a neighboring or nearby unobstructed opening in thehandling wall, ii) traversing past the outer surface of the top walland/or the lower surface of the septa to exit via the lower handlingmember rim or an opening removed from the air's entry site into theclosure (e.g., if a portion of the bottom and side surfaces of theclosure were simultaneously obstructed), or iii) traversing along theouter surface of the peripheral wall and past the upper surfaces of aseptum to exit via the upper handling member rim or an opening removedfrom the air's entry site into the closure. Similarly, air could flowthrough the same structures in opposite directions.

As another example, if both the top and bottom sides of the closure werefully obstructed, air could flow in a lateral direction, in direct orindirect paths into and out of the openings in the handling walls. Insome situations, where first and second openings are not separated by aseptum, air could enter through a first opening, travel through thecavity, and exit through the second opening. Where first and secondopenings are separated by a septum, air could enter through a firstopening into the cavity, then travel around the peripheral wall, andabove or below the septa, to exit via a second opening. Where the septaincludes an opening or aperture, air can travel between septa via suchan opening or aperture.

The indirect, non-linear ventilation pathways present in the closuredefine pathways for air flow that facilitate both horizontal andvertical movement of the air as it travels through the closure. Whereair flow is described moving in a first direction or pathway, air canalso travel flow through the same structures in a second, oppositedirection.

Additional Features

The components of the closure can be made with a generally rigidmaterial, such as plastic, whereby the entire closure, including thetamper-evident band, where used, can optionally be injection molded as aunitary element.

The closure, and its individual components, can be made in any number ofshapes, although it is preferred that the closure be made to have agenerally compact or convex shape. Extensive or elaborate surfaceprotrusions or projections are disfavored, so that if the closure isswallowed, then the absence of such structures can make it easier toretrieve the closure from an individual's airway.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the closure can occupy a generally discoidvolume, with an upper end having a smaller diameter or circumference, orperiphery than the opposite lower end. Viewed from the side, the closurecan have a generally rectangular or trapezoidal profile, though othershapes (e.g., oval, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.) areenvisioned. Viewed from above, the closure can have a shape or profileof any regular polygon, such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, orhexagon, or an irregular polygon.

Various features of the closure can minimize the amount of materialneeded to make a closure. Certain features create negative spaces in theoverall structure of the closure, such as grooves in the handling walland indentations in the tamper-evident ring, and define portions of theclosure where the material is replaced with space. Thus, less materialis required overall in manufacturing the closure, providing a closurethat is less expensive to make.

Other features, such as a plurality of small, thin connectors in thetamper-evident band, compared to a single band encompassing the area,can provide for a version of a closure that requires less materials tomake. Similarly, openings can be made in other structures, such as thehandling member, septa, or tamper-evident band, to decrease the amountof material required in the closure, as well as for increasing thenumber of ventilation pathways for air through the device.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of theobjectives and advantages of the present invention. From thisdescription, persons skilled in the art will understand that manymodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. No limitation with respect tothe specific embodiments illustrated is intended. The present inventionis intended to be covered by the appended claims, including all suchmodifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure for engaging a container, the closurecomprising: (a) a cap member having a top wall, and a peripheral walldepending from the top wall, the cap member for engaging the container;(b) a handling wall member disposed around the peripheral wall, thehandling wall member comprising: first and second ends, each end havingan aperture bounded by a rim, a perimeter of the first end being smallerthan a perimeter of the second end; and a plurality of openings, eachopening providing a passageway through a portion of the handling wallmember; (c) a plurality of septa connecting the handling wall member tothe peripheral wall; (d) a first vertical ventilation passage extendingin a straight vertical line between the peripheral wall and the handlingmember, the first vertical ventilation passage for conveying air througha top end of the closure, between the top and peripheral walls, andthrough a bottom end of the closure bottom; (e) a plurality of secondvertical ventilation passages, each second vertical ventilation passageextending in a straight vertical line, each second vertical ventilationpassage for conveying air through a corresponding opening, between thehandling wall member and the peripheral wall, and through the second endof the handling wall member; and (f) a plurality of horizontalventilation passages, each first horizontal ventilation passageextending in a horizontal path between a first opening and a secondopening, for conveying air into the closure via the first opening andout of the closure via the second opening; wherein, when any one side ofthe closure is fully obstructed, air can flow through the closurethrough at least one of the ventilation passages.
 2. The closure as inclaim 1, comprising a plurality of transverse ventilation pathways,wherein at least one transverse ventilation pathway is for conveying airin an indirect path between the first and second openings; wherein theindirect path includes conveying the air around the septum.
 3. Theclosure as in claim 2, the septum including an upper surface and a lowersurface; wherein the transverse ventilation pathway is for conveying airaround the upper and lower surfaces of the septum.
 4. The closure as inclaim 1, comprising: a tamper-evident band proximate to a bottom of theperipheral wall, comprising: a plurality of segments joined together toform the band, each end of each segment defining an indentation on anouter surface of the tamper-evident band, each segment attached to theperipheral wall bottom by at least one connecting element; the at leastone connecting element; and at least one engagement element i) extendinginward from an inner surface of the tamper-evident band and ii) adaptedto engage a receptive portion of the container, thereby to cause thetamper-evident band to i) tear along the indentation and ii) separatethe segments, for indicating that the container has been disengaged fromthe closure.
 5. The closure as in claim 4, wherein each segment isattached to the peripheral wall bottom by at least one of the following:the at least one connecting element and the septum.
 6. The closure as inclaim 4, the connecting elements connecting an inner surface of thetamper-evident band to an outer surface of the peripheral wall.
 7. Theclosure as in claim 4, each indentation located on the outer surface ofthe band, and each indentation extending between an upper and lower edgeof the band.
 8. The closure as in claim 4, the tamper-evident banddefining a continuous surface surrounding the bottom end of theperipheral wall.
 9. A closure adapted to be engaged to a fitment, or acontainer having a neck portion configured to accept it, the closurehaving a top side, a bottom side, and a lateral side between the top andbottom sides, the closure comprising: (a) a cap member having a topwall, and a peripheral wall depending from the top wall, the cap memberfor engaging the fitment; (b) a handling member having: a handling wallsurrounding the peripheral wall; a top end having an upper handlingmember rim surrounding a first aperture, and a bottom end having a lowerhandling member rim surrounding a second aperture, a circumference ofthe upper handling member rim being smaller than a circumference of thelower handling member rim; and an opening being located in the handlingwall, each opening extending between the interior and exterior surfacesof the handling wall, each opening bounded by the handling wall, eachopening being located between the top and bottom ends of the handlingmember, and each opening defining a passageway for conveying air betweenthe inner and outer surfaces of the handling wall; wherein theperipheral wall and the handling wall provide define first and secondlateral boundaries of a cavity within the closure, an upper end of thecavity defined by the upper handling member rim, and a lower end of thecavity defined by the lower handling member rim; (c) a septum connectingthe handling wall and the peripheral wall to each other; (d) a firstventilation passage extending in a direct line between the peripheralwall and the handling member, the first ventilation passage forconveying air through the closure top side, the cavity, and the closurebottom side; (e) a second ventilation passage extending in a direct linethrough the opening, the at least second ventilation passage forconveying air through the handling wall, the cavity, and the closurebottom side, the first and second ventilation passages extendingparallel to each other; and (f) a third ventilation passage extending inan indirect path between a first opening and a second opening, forconveying air in the first opening into the cavity, around a septum, tothe second opening, the third ventilation passage extending in adirection transverse to first and second ventilation passages; wherein,when any closure side is fully obstructed, air can flow through theclosure through at least one of the first, second, and third ventilationpassages.
 10. The closure as in claim 9, wherein the first ventilationpassage for conveying air through the upper handling member rim, thecavity, and the lower handling member rim.
 11. The closure as in claim9, wherein the second ventilation passage for conveying air through theopening in the handling wall, the cavity, and the lower handling memberrim.
 12. The closure as in claim 9, the septum comprising an uppersurface and a lower surface; wherein the third ventilation passage isfor conveying air around the upper and lower surfaces of the septum. 13.The closure as in claim 9, comprising a fourth ventilation passageextending in a direct line between a pair of the openings.
 14. Theclosure as in claim 9, the septum dividing the first ventilation passageinto a plurality of first ventilation passages.
 15. The closure as inclaim 9, comprising: a tamper-evident band proximate to the bottom endof the peripheral wall, comprising: a plurality of segments joinedtogether to form a ring, the band having an outer surface and an innersurface; at least one indentations, each indentation defining an end ofthe segment; a plurality of connecting elements; each segment attachedto at least one of the following: the connecting element and the septum;and at least one engagement element extending toward the peripheral walland adapted to engage a receptive portion of the fitment, thereby tocause breakage of the tamper-evident band along the at least oneindentation, for indicating that the fitment has been disengaged fromthe fitment.
 16. The closure as in claim 15, the connecting elementsconnecting an inner surface of the tamper-evident band to an outersurface of the peripheral wall.
 17. The closure as in claim 15, eachindentation located on the outer surface of the band, and eachindentation extending between an upper and lower edge of the band. 18.The closure as in claim 15, the tamper-evident band defining acontinuous surface surrounding the bottom end of the peripheral wall.19. A closure for engaging a fitment, the closure comprising: (a) a capmember having a top wall, and a peripheral wall depending from the topwall; (b) a handling wall member encircling the peripheral wall, thehandling wall member comprising: first and second ends, a perimeter ofthe first end being smaller than a perimeter of the second end; and aplurality of openings, each opening located within the handling wallmember and between the first and second ends; (c) a plurality of septaconnecting the handling wall member to the peripheral wall, each septahaving an upper surface and a lower surface; (d) at least one firstventilation passage extending between the peripheral wall and thehandling member, the first ventilation passage for conveying air throughan upper portion of the closure, between the top and peripheral walls,and through a lower portion of the closure; (e) a plurality of secondventilation passages, the second ventilation passage for conveying airthrough a corresponding opening, between the handling wall member andthe peripheral wall, and through the second end of the handling wallmember; (f) a plurality of transverse ventilation pathways, eachtransverse ventilation pathway for conveying air in an indirect pathbetween a first pair of openings, the pathway for conveying air aroundthe upper and lower surfaces of the septa; and (g) a tamper-evident bandproximate to the bottom of the peripheral wall, comprising: a pluralityof segments, each segment defined by an indentation on an outer surfaceof the tamper-evident band, each segment attached to the peripheral wallbottom by at least one connecting element; a plurality of connectingelements; and at least one engagement element adapted to engage thefitment, thereby to cause the indentations to tear and thetamper-evident band to separate into segments, for indicating that theclosure has been disengaged from the fitment; wherein, when any oneouter surface of the closure is fully obstructed, air can flow throughthe closure through at least one of the ventilation passages.
 20. Theclosure as in claim 19, comprising a plurality of third ventilationpassages, each third ventilation passage extending between a second pairof openings, for conveying air between the second pair of openings.